well just bought a hobie and took it out one time. had a bit of trouble it was strong wind and had a hard time keeping it afloat any suggestions thanks
also raising the mast? well if you lean the boat foward, by taking it off the hitch while it is on the trailer, will gravity hold the mast in place and then you could hook up the front stay, or is this just a bad idea. thanks for the help
david
David,
If you are trying to raise the mast alone, there is a way. First make a tripod out of three poles to hold the mast up off the main traveler. Set the mast on the tripod and put in the pin. Make sure all the shrouds and wires are in a position where they won't foul on the boat as you raise the mast. Now tie a line about 8' long to the jib halyard (leave the halyard cleated to the mast) and tie the other end to the bridle. Raise the mast and once up, lean into it, reach down and uncleat the jib halyard and pull it in tight and cleat it. It will hold the mast up and you can get down to put the pin in the forestay. I read this years ago in a Hobie Hotline and it works fine. I used three old tent poles to make the tripod with some rope and strap it to the trailer with a couple of bungee cords.
The idea of disconnecting from the trailer to let the mast lean forward is OK until a gust of wind blows it down.
As to the strong wind, pick calmer days to learn and as you get used to it you will know how to handle the strong wind conditions.
Howard
David, perform a search on this topic (mast stepping), you will find good instructions there...
The deal with tilting the trailer forward used to help in the old days... with mast rake these days it is kinda difficult to tilt the trailer sufficientely for the mast to stay in place.
Patrick